Solveig Lovseth conquers Kona after an epic outcome at the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship

Norwegian Solveig Lovseth was crowned world champion in the IRONMAN Kona 2025, winning an epic day marked by the heat, the retirements of Taylor Knibb and Lucy Charles-Barclay, and an unforgettable ending on Hawaii Island.

The Norwegian Solveig Lovseth has been proclaimed world champion IRONMAN 2025 in Kona, achieving one of the most unexpected and exciting victories in the history of the event.

On a day marked by heat, humidity and the falls of two big favorites, Taylor Knibb y Lucy Charles-Barclay, the Nordic debutant took advantage of the chaos to seize glory in the mecca of triathlon.

A classic start: Charles-Barclay rules the water

From the first moment, Lucy Charles-Barclay imposed its law in the Pacific. The British came out of the water in 49:26, with a lead of one and a half minutes over a first chasing group that included Taylor Knibb, Holly Lawrence, Haley Chura y Marta Sanchez, who once again demonstrated her level by placing among the best swimmers of the day.

Further back, more than six minutes later, came a second block with Laura Philipp, Kat matthews, Solveig Lovseth y Lisa Perterer, who knew that there was still a long way to go in the race.

Knibb takes control of the bike

The cycling segment completely transformed the race. Charles-Barclay He led alone until the halfway point, holding a lead of nearly two minutes over Knibb, but the American, current middle-distance world champion, showed why she is considered one of the most powerful cyclists on the planet.

On the way up to HowKnibb closed the gap with constant pedaling and neutralized it in just ten kilometers. Shortly after, a mistake by Charles-Barclay—losing a bottle—cost her a one-minute penalty, enough for the American to take the lead for good.

Knibb arrived at T2 as leader with a partial of 4:31:00, followed by Charles-Barclay 1:26 and by Lovseth, who was already riding alone just over six minutes behind. Behind them, the chasing group with Philipp, Matthews, McCauley y Perterer reached the transition with more than fourteen minutes of disadvantage.

The Marathon: Drama Under the Hawaiian Sun

The Kona Marathon once again wrote one of those stories that only the Big Island can offer.

Knibb came out determined, but Charles-Barclay's pace seemed more solid and, on the climb to Palani Hill, the British woman regained the lead to the enthusiasm of the public.

For several kilometers she looked steady, with a free stride and a determined expression, but the Hawaiian weather began to take its toll.

Halfway through the race, Lucy began to show signs of extreme exhaustion, walking through several aid stations to try to rehydrate. Knibb passed her again, and for a few kilometers the two engaged in a vibrant duel under the relentless sun.

However, the outcome was cruel. Charles-Barclay, completely dehydrated, had to abandon the race at kilometer 30. Knibb, exhausted but still in the lead, seemed poised for her first world title… until, just three kilometers from the finish, her body gave out. The American collapsed on the road, unable to continue.

Lovseth comes back for glory

Behind, Solveig Lovseth, who had run with admirable intelligence, took advantage of the collapse of the favorites.

The Norwegian maintained a steady pace, managing her time and avoiding attacks, until, in the final stages, she overtook Knibb and crossed the finish line amidst widespread disbelief.

With a final time of 8:28:27, Lovseth achieved not only her first victory in Kona, but also the best historical record for a debutant in the IRONMAN World Championship.

Matthews and Philipp complete the podium

The British Kat matthews made a superb comeback to finish second, just 35 seconds after Lovseth, with a marathon of 2:47:23, a new circuit record. The podium was closed Laura Philipp, third with 8:37:28, demonstrating once again his consistency on the big stages.

El Top 10 was completed with Hannah Berry, Lisa Perterer, Holly Lawrence, Jocelyn McCauley, Sara Svensk, Leonie Konzalla y Marlene deBoer.

Marta Sánchez DNF

The Catalan Marta Sanchez She had a remarkable start to the race, finishing second in her group in the water and riding with the best until well into the cycling segment. Although she ultimately had to withdraw during the marathon, her presence in the elite group confirms her progress and consolidation over the long distance.

Norway has a historic year in long distance

Norway's performance in the triathlon is beyond explanation. After the men's triple win in Nice, with Casper Stornes becoming world champion after a spectacular marathon, Gustav Iden returning to the podium with a solid second position and Kristian Blummenfelt Completing the podium with its usual determination, the Scandinavian country has once again made history.

Now in Kona 2025Has been Solveig Lovseth who has carried the Norwegian flag to the highest level, winning the women's world title and closing out a perfect season for Norwegian triathlon. No other country had ever managed to dominate both world championships in this way. HOMBRE DE HIERRO in the same year.

IRONMAN Kona 2025 women's standings